History of Alpha Delta Pi
The Big Picture
Founded on May 15, 1851, Alpha Delta Pi is the oldest secret society for college women in the world. Alpha Delta Pi was established at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. Wesleyan was the first college Chartered to grant degrees to women.
The story of Alpha Delta Pi is a remarkable one, and it all began with one girl’s dream. Eugenia Tucker was just sixteen years old when she left her family in Laurens County, Georgia, to enter Wesleyan College. Before the end of her first year she had established a society like no other in the world. This was the beginning of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Since then, we have put high priority upon scholarship, service to the community, and personal development for each of our members. To date, Alpha Delta Pi has initiated more than 300,000 women. We have over 139 Alpha Delta Pi chapters throughout the United States and Canada offering programming in key areas such as leadership development and academic improvement. Our goal is to provide each member a quality experience, which will enrich her life with friendship and lessons to ensure her success during her college years and beyond.
A Local Look
In 1957, five sororities wanted to set up a chapter at the University of Arkansas. Alpha Delta Pi was the only sorority accepted. The Delta Delta Chapter was formed and under the Presidency of Linda Parchmen and 13 charter members, we began to grow. In 1979, Alpha Delta Pi sorority adopted the Ronald McDonald House Charities as our national philanthropy, thanks to the efforts of a Delta Delta alumna from here at the University of Arkansas, Joanne Kirlin. We do several things each semester to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Our Alpha Delta Pi chapter has raised over $30,000 for the Ronald McDonald in the past years.
Since then, we have continued to thrive at the University of Arkansas. We recruit amazing women who have made grand accomplishments. Last year one of our members was named Greek Woman of the Year, and our president was named “Best President” by the Order of Omega. These are both honors given only to one sorority member out of all the 8 on campus. We recruit diverse women, many of whom become some of the most respected students on campus.
Terms and Symbols
Membership:
An Alpha Member is a new member. Your daughter will be an Alpha member until she is initiated. This stage of membership allows your daughter to learn about our history, values, and principles before she becomes a Delta Member. A Delta Member is simply an initiated collegiate member. When you graduate and become and alumnae, you become a Pi member.
Mascot:The lion is the mascot of Alpha Delta Pi. A lion is a symbol of courage and our mascot’s nickname is Alphie.
Official Colors:
Azure Blue and White are the official colors of Alpha Delta Pi. Blue is symbolic of friendship, the basic spirit upon which Alpha Delta Pi is founded. White symbolizes sincerity and truth. Alpha Delta Pi seeks sincerity and truthfulness in all its members.
Official Flower:The woodland violet, which grows wild, is the official flower. Because it is unavailable for purchase, African violets are often used to symbolize the woodland violet.
Diamonds:
The first badge worn by the Adelpheans in 1851 was in the shape of a diamond. We continue to wear our diamond shaped badge over our hearts, and it have become a symbol of our sisterhood.
Open Motto:
“We live for each other” is the open motto of Alpha Delta Pi, chosen by the founders of our sorority. Today, developing and maintaining close personal relationships remains a goal of every Alpha Delta Pi chapter.
Prides:
One of the special ways chapters develop these close personal ties is the use of Prides. The name was chosen because our mascot, the lion, lives in small unites called prides. In chapters, prides are small groups of sisters from different classes, major fields of study, and hometowns.
Diamond Sisters:
A Diamond Sister is a special friend who is assigned as a sponsor to an Alpha member. She is someone to whom the Alpha member may go with questions or concerns about the sorority or experiences in school. If she does not have the answer she will help to find one or someone who can help. She will serve as a role model as the Alpha member learns about the responsibilities and privileges of membership in Alpha Delta Pi.
Welcome to Alpha Delta Pi!
As housemother at Alpha Delta Pi, I personally feel a deep and abiding protectiveness and caring about the chapter members who live here and are coming in as new members. The staff and I are dedicated to providing a home away from home atmosphere. These are some of the daily amenities provided for our in-house members. Your daughter will also become a welcome part of our home now and when she is able to become a resident with us.
Each Monday through Friday, three full hot buffets are prepared and served. On the weekends, sandwich meats, bread, bagels, cereal, milk, and juices are made available. Cleaning services include all restrooms sanitized during the week, as well as all living areas on the main floor, hallways, and chapter/study hall areas. Just as in any family, we have house rules that are maintained in order to provide an organized well-run home, for we function as a family unit.
Priority at the ADPi house is our security system, which is a state of the art and up-to-date exclusive system. We are forever conscious of the responsibility of maintaining a safe and secure environment, and this is paramount in our efforts.
The housemother lives at the ADPi house and is always available for assistance in any way. You can rest assured that your daughter has a support system that is unique and valuable to her college experience.
Welcome to our Alpha Delta Pi home from a loving staff, many new sisters for your daughter, alums, and advisors.
Very truly yours,
Mom Audrey Bernath
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is it appropriate to send gifts to my daughter?
A: I am sure that your daughter would say all the time, but there are two key times that a new member will often receive gifts. The first is right after Bid Day. Parents often send small gifts or flowers during that first week. The second is for Initiation. This is when your daughter becomes a full member of our sisterhood. As a chapter, we give gifts to all new members on these two occasions, so no member will feel left out. We encourage parents to be involved, but sometimes a letter of congratulations is just as special as a gift. However, if you would like to send something to the house for Initiation, two local places to order from are Ebeez and Party House.
Q: Will a sorority take up so much of my daughter’s time that her grades will suffer?
A: While as a new member she might be busy with Education Sessions, there are very few required events. Most of them are optional. Overall, ADPi has an outstanding Grade Point Average. We plan and attend educational programs (for example, we are sponsoring a program for October called “Gimme An A”, given by two University professors who authored the newly published book How to Get Good Grades in College), we have a great study hall available, and we also offer sisters as tutors and mentors for new members. We reward our members for good grades and encourage and help them when they need improvement.
Q: Are boys allowed in the ADPi house?
A: Yes, boys are allowed on the main floor of the house, but not after 10 PM on weekdays and 12 PM on weekends. Boys are not allowed in any other areas of the house. Some exceptions are made for family members on game days and special occasions.
Q: Will my daughter be encouraged to drink alcohol?
A: We cannot control every choice that your daughter makes, but it is against our policy for any underage member of ADPi to drink alcohol. Alcohol is not allowed in the chapter house or at chapter events. There is alcohol at some of our social functions, but we carefully watch to guarantee that no underage member is drinking at any time during the function. If members are caught drinking underage or in excess, we will call them to a Standards Hearing.
Q: Will my daughter be asked to do things against her will during her pledging period?
A: No, Alpha Delta Pi does not haze in any way. If you daughter is ever in a situation where she is uncomfortable, she is to go to the Chapter President or Chapter Advisor immediately.
Q: After my daughter accepts a bid, what can she expect as a new member?
A: After accepting a bid, a woman becomes an Alpha Delta Pi member and participates in a six week program that concludes with Initiation. The program is designed to educate each new member about the history of the local chapter, the international organization, the campus and community while providing her with opportunities to spend time with her Diamond Sister and other members of the Sorority.
Q: Does Alpha Delta Pi award scholarships?
A: The Alpha Delta Pi Foundation, Inc., supports ADPi through numerous contributions to the organization including scholarships and emergency fund grants, leadership and education programs, and much more. The Foundation awarded over $61,000 in scholarships for this year.
Q: Do chapters receive guidance from local alumnae?
A: Yes. A sorority is not only an organization to be involved in while in college, but it is a lifetime commitment. Local alumnae members provide support and guidance whenever they can. The Alums host events and provide financial contributions. Alums are also great for networking because they often help graduating seniors find jobs.
If you have any other questions about your daughter’s experience with ADPi or at the University of Arkansas, please feel free to contact any of the officers or advisors.
Financial Information
Many parents are often concerned about the cost of being in a sorority. The cost of being a member of Alpha Delta Pi is well worth the benefits that you receive.
House Corporation dues and fees are determined by a board of Alums and current members. Fees are subject to change in these meetings, but you will be notified if changes are made. ADPi is a non-profit organization, and the dues paid only cover the expenses.
So Where Does the Money Go?
Food – All members can eat at the house at anytime. This also covers food for special events like Mom’s Day and Dad’s Day.
Chapter Dues – This funds all the budgets in the house:
- Social Gatherings and Functions
- Retreats
- Philanthropy
- Recruitment Events
- Rewards and Gifts
- Panhellenic Dues
House Maintenance – The ADPi house was built in the early 1900’s and in order to keep such an old house working well, we must maintain and repair it. We also decorate and furnish all general areas of the house.
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